This week: Let’s talk about a skill that separates consistent ball strikers from weekend guessers: low point control with your irons.
If you’ve ever hit the ground before the ball (the dreaded fat shot) or barely grazed the turf at all (thin and frustrating), chances are your low point is off. Instead of hoping for better contact next time, you can start fixing this today.
What is low point control?
Your “low point” is the exact spot in your swing arc where your club bottoms out and meets the ground. Nail this spot just ahead of the ball, and you’ll start seeing:
Crisper, more reliable contact
Divots in front of the ball (not behind!)
The predictable, straight shots you see better players pull off
A quick way to check your low point:
Next practice session, lay down a tee or draw a line on the grass. Without a ball, make a few swings and see where your divot starts. If it’s behind the line, you’re likely hitting fat shots on the course. Adjust your setup—focus on keeping weight slightly forward and hands ahead at address—then check again. Small tweaks can make a world of difference.
Why this matters to every golfer:
Most iron shot problems aren’t about how hard you swing—it’s about where.
Mastering your low point means fewer wasted shots, more clean strikes, and confidence standing over every approach. Your best rounds start with fundamentals just like this one.
Curious for a deeper dive? Here’s a step-by-step guide to improving low point control and consistent ball striking.
The “Leave It Below the Hole” Rule
Most golfers don’t think about where their ball finishes on the green.
They should.
Here’s why:
PGA Tour data shows players make significantly more putts when putting uphill vs downhill
Even a slight downhill putt dramatically lowers make percentage.
Simple adjustment:
Favor leaving your approach shots below the hole.
• Take one more club if needed
• Land it short and let it release
• Avoid flying it past the pin
Uphill putts = more aggressive strokes + higher make rates
Downhill putts = defensive putting and more 3-putts
This one decision quietly saves strokes every round.
Inside Shaving Strokes, we break down dozens of these “hidden advantage” strategies most golfers never think about.
Until next time,
Your friends at GoingLow.com
